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New Zealand Train/Car

Replies: 9 - Last Post: Dec 22, 2012 8:21 AM Last Post By: tsreedhar

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obrienkev

obrienkev avatar

Dec 12, 2012 5:48 AM
Posts:  12

New Zealand Train/Car

Hi,
We are thinking of driving the North Island and then getting ferry to Picton. From there we had thought of hiring another car to travel the South island. However, now thinking of getting train from Picton to Kaikoura. Then onto Christchurch and the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth. Before hiring a car again in Greymouth.

Is this a good idea or are we better to hire car from Picton?

Thanks!

neverwinter

neverwinter avatar

Dec 12, 2012 7:04 AM
Posts:  1,636

1

both trains follow routes almost parallel to the road. The Tranzalpine does go into a tunnel and (I think) means that you don't see the Otira viaduct - but then neither of you will be driving.

if the timetables fit, why not?

kereru

kereru avatar

Dec 12, 2012 12:22 PM
Posts:  464

2

Most of the rental car companies have depots in Picton and if you book both islands you benefit from reduced rates when they treat both hires as one.
I love the Tranz Coastal as contrary to the first post, it does not follow the road but rather hugs the coastline, passing through numerous short tunnels to emerge right on isolated beaches. NZ fur seals are often seen.

hereandtherenz

hereandtherenz avatar

Dec 12, 2012 1:39 PM
Posts:  996

3

I love trains so would definitely recommend that option. The main disadvantage is that you don't get to stop where you want along the way.

LisaMNZ

LisaMNZ avatar

Dec 12, 2012 1:46 PM
Posts:  7,184

4

AGree with the other posters. I'd always take the train if the route and the timetable fit. I'd love to do that journey down the coast from kaikoura to Chch. We really tried to fit it in last time we went to the south island but just couldn't make it work.

Ozziegiraffe

Ozziegiraffe avatar

Dec 12, 2012 8:18 PM
Posts:  4,847

5

On my last trip I did both Tranzcoastal and Tranzalpine by train. As I was the sole driver, it gave me a break to look solely at the scenery. And I think we still got the discount on 2-island car hire.

westwood

westwood avatar

Dec 12, 2012 8:21 PM
Posts:  8,824

6

I've been really car sick taking the bus from Picton to Christchurch so if I did it again, I'd take the train.

neverwinter

neverwinter avatar

Dec 13, 2012 2:33 AM
Posts:  1,636

7

my mistake re the Tranzcoastal, I recall both the train and the road as hugging the coast. Very closely in some cases!

too many miles, sorry.

Woody1979

Woody1979 avatar

Dec 15, 2012 2:27 PM
Posts:  6

8

Check out transfercar.co.nz. Not used it yet myself, but looking at the options there might a journey that suits

tsreedhar

tsreedhar avatar

Dec 22, 2012 8:21 AM
Posts:  9

9

Didn't the tranzcoastal stop operating after the earthquake?
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